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Post by Erica Golding

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Hello, all of you fragrance-frenzied fanatics!

Today, I’m pumped to dive into a fresh new fragrance house. Dua Fragrances are crafted and sold in the US, using accords and concentrates made in Dubai from globally sourced raw materials. Some of their creations are influenced by other popular niche or mainstream scents, while others are inspired organically. All the ones that I have tried so far turned out to be unique, attractive fragrances that stand out on their own merit.

Dua Fragrances

Totally shocked to win a generous giveaway from Dua after being curious in their line for the last few weeks because I have been building an Arabic perfume sub-section in my collection, so these beauties are right up my alley! I’ve been so curious that I purchased several extras to travel with my much-appreciated prize. Here are mini reviews of three of my Dua parfum extracts.

Photo Courtesy Erica Golding

Hypnotic Santalum

NOTES: Sandalwood, Oud, Leather, Cinnamon, Neroli, Amber, Rose

Leather and oudh leap forth at the opening on my skin. The combination is focused, rich yet refined. Neroli and rose enter gradually, luxurious blossoms that add grace and a high-end edge. As the cinnamon, amber, and sandalwood warm up, the aroma begins to sweeten and the overall fragrance up shifts into addictive territory. Cinnamon often drags an imaginary apple note along in my mind due to scent association, a delicious effect that saturates my senses with pleasure.

Dua Fragrances

Bois Oudh

NOTES: Tonka Bean, Cardamom, Amber, Teak Wood, Rosewood, Sandalwood, Agarwood (Oud)

My favorite so far! The scent starts out subtle and the agarwood is just the right hint of rubber (in a good way) without being pungent or overwhelming. Sandalwood glows warm and smooth and familiar, giving a gorgeous tone. Accents of cardamom and amber impart a magnetic complexity. Later in the drydown, the hay-honey tonka bean sings.
The aroma isn’t particularly intense, which I was braced for, but was rather a very smooth, harmonious blend that left me huffing my wrists and wanting more. The scent is passionate without being overbearing. It won’t impress those looking for an aggressive nuclear bomb of scent, but it’s an exceptionally pleasing composition.

Mukhallat

NOTES: Orange Blossom, Amber, Rose, Jasmine, Resins, Musk, Oud

Oudh comes out first, leathery and confident. Classic floral notes add lift and harmony to the scent, with rose at the forefront of the bouquet. Creamy woody amber and furry musk smooth the base, a luxurious impression. On my skin, the drydown is dominated by tea rose.
Overall, Mulhallat is a classic Arabian perfume, along the lines of Ghroob and Kashkha (though a distinctly unique creation).

I’ve had a blast exploring these affordably priced delights. I admit I’m hooked, and I’m plotting what to try next. I hope they have the bandwidth to start offering samples soon, I know they plan to and just can’t yet handle that work stream as they’re firing up this new venture.

Dua Fragrances $45-$50/30ml

Have you gotten into Dua Fragrances yet? Did you already miss out on one of their LEs (goddammit Vanilla Lemon Gelato, why have you forsaken me)? What new perfume house have you recently discovered; or, perhaps you’ve excavated a line that’s just new-to-you?

Until next time, stay fragrant and have fun sniffing!

-Erica